General Counsel

ION Media has established a track record of operational success and financial growth in building out its company. Available in 100 million homes, ION Media is the nation’s largest operator of full-power TV broadcast stations by national household reach, with 65 full-power stations. 

Launched in 2007, the company’s flagship, ION Television, is a top 10-ranked U.S. general entertainment network featuring a “Positively Entertaining” schedule of proven, award-winning programs, quality original series and popular holiday movies available on multiple platforms via its state-of-the art distribution system.

The General Counsel (GC) will serve as a key advisor to the leadership team and participate in decision-making and strategy development for the business, while maintaining the goal of reducing risks and protecting the assets and the reputation of the company. The GC will be responsible for all legal affairs, including corporate governance, compliance, licensing, commercial contract review, intellectual property, acquisitions and dispositions, litigation and claims, and real estate leases. 

The successful candidate will be a generalist capable of providing legal support to all areas of the organization. It is important that the individual in this role is collaborative and solution-oriented. The GC will evaluate complex legal and business issues in depth, and demonstrate the willingness and ability to tackle a variety of projects simultaneously while also meeting demanding deadlines. 

To achieve these goals, the GC will have the support of a staff of 4-6 full-time attorneys and paralegals. On large or special projects or transactions, outside counsel will be available to augment the team with expert advice. The GC will bring appropriate management skills and business judgment to marshal these resources, striking an appropriate insourcing/outsourcing balance and meeting deadlines as needed. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Oversee legal matters for the organization, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and legal documents;
Ensure that the company is in compliance with all relevant processes, laws and regulations while exercising the highest level of integrity and ethics;
Manage all litigation, claims and intellectual property matters, and represent the organization in all legal forums, including regulatory agencies, courts and arbitration bodies;
Work cross-functionally with legal staff, senior leadership and outside counsel to collaborate and negotiate optimal resolutions to a wide spectrum of legal matters;
Interact with the Commercial and Finance teams to provide guidance and support related to contract terms and obligations;
Advise and support Human Resources on matters related to labor and employment issues;
Manage and develop legal department tools, processes and staff, as well as overseeing third party counsel resources where needed;
Propose effective legal solutions to mitigate risk and further new business interests and objectives; escalate to outside counsel when appropriate;
Develop clear and concise goals, strategies and guidelines that support companywide initiatives;
Analyze market and regulatory developments in media/communications (e.g., privacy, information security, etc.) and work closely with subject matter experts to help ensure company compliance with regulatory requirements;
Carefully manage confidential information, communications and communication requests/requirements to and from external sources on high-impact issues;
Ensure timely, high-quality analysis and advice on legal and business issues to internal clients;
Participate in all merger & acquisition due diligence, deal negotiation, and integration activities 
REQUIREMENTS 

Juris Doctorate Degree with license to practice law (in any state) required;
Minimum of 10 years of legal experience in a general corporate legal practice, preferably with a combination of law firm and in-house counsel experience;
Prior experience managing and leading a multi-function team without constant oversight;
Experience with M&A preferred;
Strong and effective communication skills, both written and oral;
Must be able to articulate and support the company’s legal position to both internal and external entities;
Experience negotiating corporate financing transactions and managing legal compliance with associated debt and equity instruments;
Possess excellent analytical and issue-spotting skills;
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, competing priorities;
Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office;
Attention to detail;
Ability to draft complex agreements and contractual provisions;
Experience working in a collaborative, high-performing team environment;
Ability to take initiative on projects;
Proven abilities as a solution-focused problem solver